In a recent development in Pune, the Bhosari police have taken legal action against three individuals associated with Gera Imperial Gateway of Gera Development Private Limited for their involvement in the illegal chopping of trees. The individuals identified as Kumar Gera, Balaji Khandekar, and Vijay Kalyankar have been booked in connection with the unauthorized felling of trees, sparking concerns among environmentalists and locals alike.
Discovery of the Incident
The incident came to light when two vigilant tree enthusiasts, one of whom was traveling from Nashik Phata to Bhosari, observed a significant number of trees being chopped down in the open space outside the CIRT compound. This alarming sight prompted them to raise the issue, leading to further investigation by the authorities.
Response from Authorities
Upon receiving the report, PCMC garden assistant Suresh Ghode confirmed that the trees had indeed been felled without proper authorization. Subsequently, PCMC officials conducted a thorough investigation, culminating in the filing of a complaint against the employees of Gera Imperial Gateway, Gera Development Private Limited. Bhosari PSI Shrikant Gurav has been entrusted with the task of investigating the matter further.
Assistant Commissioner of the Garden department, Ravikiran Ghodke, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that the police have registered a case against the accused for their actions.
Details of the Complaint
The complaint lodged by Ghode outlined that Sanjay Ausarmal and Sagar Kasbe, the concerned tree lovers, had reported the incident on May 18. Upon inspection, it was discovered that ten trees had been felled, with some uprooted entirely while others had their branches chopped off. The extent of the damage caused during this unauthorized tree felling operation amounted to an estimated Rs 3 lakh.
Construction Project Implications
The site where the incident occurred, Gera Imperial Gateway, is part of an ongoing construction project by Gera Development Private Limited. It was revealed that the excavation work for laying a 22 KV power line from the Bhosari substation necessitated digging on the site. However, it became evident during the investigation that none of the responsible parties had sought permission for tree cutting, leading to legal repercussions.
Legal Implications
According to municipal regulations, obtaining permission from the municipal garden department is mandatory for any tree cutting activity within its jurisdiction. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties. Unauthorized tree felling carries a fine of Rs 50,000, while unauthorized pruning attracts a fine of Rs 10,000 or up to two years of imprisonment.
